KABUL - Former president Hamid Karzai and the National Reconciliation Council on Thursday condemned Afghan forces airstrike that killed and wounded many civilians in western Herat province.
Exact figures about the casualties were not known as yet, but some sources said 45 people suffered casualties in the airstrike in Guzara district yesterday.
Local officials said the airstrike targeted a Taliban meeting, but residents said the airstrike hit a gathering welcoming a released Taliban commander.
Former president Hamid Karzai denounced the airstrike, saying the killing of Afghans from any side was intolerable and was crime against humanity and the Afghans.
“The Afghans engaged in the war should realize this war is for the benefits of others. The Afghans only receive pain in this war. Patriotism is not in the war, it lies in bringing peace and security and development of the country.”
Meanwhile, the NRC led by Dr. Abdullah Abdullah also condemned the airstrike in Heart province in a statement from the Spidar Palace.
The statement said it was expected that violence would reduce  in lead up to the intra-Afghan talks, but innocent civilians were killed and maimed instead.
“We want the warring sides to protect civilians and avoid bloodshed which cannot help peace talks,” the statement said. (Pajhwok)